Ryan Switzer stands only 5 feet, 8 inches tall, but he has made a big impression on Jon Gruden in the short amount of time the two have spent together.
“Ryan Switzer has really caught my eye,” Gruden told NBC Sports Bay Area before the team split for summer. “Switzer has come in here and not only been a punt returner, kick returner, he’s come in and been a force as a slot receiver. He’s really done well.”
Switzer, who was already an added element to the Raiders’ special teams, seems like a lock to make the roster if Gruden believes he can contribute on offense, as well.
Assuming Switzer makes the final roster, he will presumably be joining Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, Martavis Bryant, and a fifth receiver that could just about anyone. Seth Roberts is getting paid whether he’s on the roster or not, but Johnny Holton, Marcell Ateman, Griff Whalen, and Dwayne Harris could all put up a good fight.
Whatever the case, it’s been a while since the Raiders had an effective slot receiver and while Switzer may have impressed Gruden, he is still sitting behind three Pro Bowl-caliber receivers on the depth chart. Cooper will spend more time in the slot this year and Nelson can play there, too. What that probably means is that short of an injury, Switzer’s likelihood of getting offensive snaps in Oakland is about the same as it was in Dallas.
That in mind, Cooper has a history of nagging injuries and Bryant apparently isn’t a lock to not be suspended – so who knows how this thing will ultimately play out.
twitter: @raidersbeat
